Fishing Kayaks for Big Guys - 2017 Roundup

We get a lot of questions from the forums and people reaching out to us asking what the best fishing kayak options are for bigger guys. Luckily, there are quite a few good options available to accommodate both taller and heavier anglers. In no particular order, here are some of our favorites that are currently on the market.

Hobie's Pro Angler has been the undisputed king of this segment for a long time and remains one of the stronger options in the category. While on the pricier side, it offers an impressive weight capacity of 600 pounds and at 38 inches wide you are more likely to fall off the side, rather than flipping the Pro Angler. It also features the Hobie mirage drive, which certainly helps to move this 145-pound monster around.

NuCanoe calls the Frontier 12 ridiculously stable, and at 41 inches wide it is hard to argue with that description. The NuCanoe pushes the boundaries for what is defined as a kayak with its wide layout, 650-pound weight capacity and ability to add a second seat for tandem fishing. This is a great boat for stand-up fishing and while it might not be the first choice for a long paddle, the transom mount really adds versatility to this great design.

If you are looking for a kayak that lets you stand up comfortably and can carry a heavy load, the Big Rig might just be what you are looking for. This 37 inch wide boat features a stand assist bar that aids balance when standing and also functions as a paddle holder. This is a great feature, especially for taller anglers, who may feel uncomfortable standing without some extra assistance.

With the Titan Propel, Native has brought its pedal drive system into the heavyweight division. At 41.5 inches wide and with a 550-pound weight capacity the Titan Propel is another kayak that shares more likeness with a small bass boat than the narrow hulls of the traditional greenlandic kayak. The Propel drive system gives anglers the ability to move this heavy hull far and fast in search of just the right fishing spot.

In present company, the Predator PDL comes in as the narrowest contender with an “only” 36 inches wide beam. Nevertheless, with 500 pounds of weight capacity, it will carry its fair share of angler and gear. The Predator PDL is another pedal driven kayak and is closer to a traditional sit on top in terms of hull shape.

Which One Should You Get?

These are all great boats that will let a bigger guy enjoy a comfortable ride on the water. Here are a few things to consider when choosing which one is right for you:

Weight:

These are all heavy boats but if you go out alone a lot or need to car top, you may want to choose one of the lighter options. The Jackson Big Rig is only 99 lbs, compared to 178 lbs of the Titan Propel.

Propulsion:

How far do you go from the launch site to fish? If you need to cover distance, you may want to consider one of the pedal-powered options or get a NuCanoe with a motor (note that in many states this means you need to register the kayak with the DMV).

Pedal system:

If you are fishing in very shallow waters, the Hobie will let you flutter the fins to avoid getting stuck. However, the pedal systems offer instant reverse, which may be good if you want to position yourself precisely.

Budget:

There is a big discrepancy in cost here. The pedal kayaks typically come in at around $3,000 while a NuCanoe Frontier can be had for a lot less.

Resale Value:

The Hobies seem to garner a higher price on the used kayak market, which may be good or bad, depending on which side of the transaction you are on.

Availability:

Depending on where in the country you are located you may not have access to a dealer that offers all of these brands. In general we recommend testing any kayak on the water before buying. Comfort is very hard to gauge from reviews and videos. You may find that your opinions differ from what others think, especially if you are taller or heavier than the norm.